Residents of the UAE can vie for substantial cash rewards in the Diabetes Challenge, with top prizes reaching up to Dh20,000. The competition's top male and female contenders will each receive Dh5,000, while those securing second and third places will be awarded Dh3,000 and Dh2,000, respectively. Organized by RAK Hospital in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP-RAK), the third iteration of the RAK Diabetes Challenge is now accepting registrations. This three-month event is free and open to all residents aged 18 and above. Those interested can sign up at www.rakdiabeteschallenge.com from August 5 to 10, or walk in to RAK Hospital for registration between August 9 and 11, from 9am to 4.30pm. The challenge is designed for individuals with an HbA1C level of 5.7 or higher, providing a chance for a significant health transformation. Participants can enroll in both physical and virtual categories and can access free BMI and HbA1C tests at RAK Hospital. Online lifestyle evaluation tests are also provided upon registration. Virtual participants are responsible for their own BMI and HbA1C tests at a clinic of their choice, with online lifestyle evaluations available as well. All participants will receive weekly health tips and access to diabetes management webinars, aiming to educate and support sustainable lifestyle changes. To qualify for the cash prizes, participants must present BMI and HbA1C reports from the start and end of the challenge, with the most improved participants winning. Given the UAE's global ranking of 15th in diabetes prevalence, with about 19% of adults diabetic and an additional 15-20% pre-diabetic, effective management strategies are crucial. Dr. Raza Siddiqui, Executive Director of RAK Hospital, emphasized that reducing diabetes's burden improves individual health and societal well-being, potentially lowering healthcare costs and enhancing life quality. He noted the success of last year's participants, who saw significant HbA1C reductions, moving from diabetic to non-diabetic status, and highlighted the campaign's goal to empower individuals through knowledge and awareness of healthy practices.